As South Carolina football prepares for another tough SEC matchup on the road, the Gamecocks released their weekly injury report ahead of Saturday's game at Ole Miss. For the first time in a long while, there's mostly good news on the health front for South Carolina. Despite one key lineman being lost for the season, the team is heading into this matchup as healthy as it's been all year. It's a welcome shift after the chaos that defined the early part of the season.
Head coach Shane Beamer and his staff have endured a revolving door of injuries, especially along the offensive line, but the unit has quietly turned a corner since early this month. The only name officially ruled out on the current injury list is right tackle Cason Henry, who Beamer previously confirmed will miss the remainder of the season. Losing a starter long-term always leaves a mark, but redshirt sophomore Tree Babalade has stepped into that role well. Still, the rest of the squad seems to be trending in the right direction when it comes to health.
Outside of Henry, just two other names appear on this week's report: wide receiver Jayden Sellers and defensive back Buddy Mack III, both of which are listed as "doubtful" for Saturday's contest.
What it Means for the Gamecocks
It’s no secret this team has battled through adversity this season. With one of the toughest schedules in the SEC, the Gamecocks have also faced offensive line breakdowns to early-season injuries. Now, for the first time since the season opener, there may be a sense of stability, and that could make all the difference in Oxford.
Obviously losing Jayden Sellers for this matchup will sting, but this is also the first injury report. The freshman has started to find a rhythm with his older brother, quarterback LaNorris Sellers, and the connection between the two has become more and more intriguing as the second half of the season unfolds. If Jayden cannot play Saturday, South Carolina has plenty of playmakers at receiver capable of stepping up, but the Sellers-to-Sellers chemistry has been something special to watch develop.
Buddy Mack III, who has played in all seven games this year, continues to be a steady presence on special teams and in the secondary rotation. Mack's experience on the field gives the Gamecocks added depth in key moments, especially against an Ole Miss offense known for explosive tempo.
Looking Ahead to Ole Miss
The Gamecocks and Rebels will face off at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on Saturday night at 7:00 p.m. ET live on ESPN. Ole Miss will undoubtedly be a challenge for the Gamecocks. But with a South Carolina team that looks healthier, it feels different than it did a few months ago. They are certainly battle-tested. And they are showing flashes of what they can become when everything starts to click.
If the Gamecocks can stay disciplined up front and keep the offense balanced, there is reason to believe they can walk into Oxford and make a little noise under the lights.